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Topic: Catechumenate (Read 1628 times)

I have been Roman Catholic for the past 5 years. I was confirmed as a Catholic on April 7, 2007. Prior to converting to Catholicism, I was raised (shoddily) as Baptist (until my parents divorced) and then was baptized in the United Church of Christ; however, I never really understood or accepted the Christian faith. I studied early Church history while at university and during the summers at home attempting to find solid intellectual evidence that Christianity was bunk; however, along the way, I discovered my need for faith, and later realized that this need wasn't being nourished at my local UCC church. I realized that the ancient, New Testament Church was present in the Roman Catholic and/or Orthodox Churches, but despite my research I failed to note the discrepancies between the two churches since 1054 AD and how each had developed since then. As a result, I failed to take a number of things into consideration and just assumed both were equal representatives of the apostolic faith. Also, Catholicism had a much more definite presence than Orthodoxy. It somehow just seemed easier to go with Catholicism at the time.

I have been attending Divine Liturgy since the beginning of Lent (Revised Julian). I seem to have found a true spiritual home in an OCA parish about 25 minutes away. I had lunch with the priest there once in order to discuss my interest in becoming Orthodoxy, and he invited me to continue coming to Liturgy, to settle myself in with the community, and see how I felt after a few months. He said we could discuss my potential joining the catechumenate later. However, my Christian faith has never felt as alive and real as it does now as a result of participating in Orthodox liturgy and spirituality. I am most certain that this is the only, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ, and this is even after researching some of the current schisms present in Orthodoxy. I don't want to put the cart before the horse - but I feel that I am ready to take the next steps toward becoming a catechumen. Should I have another discussion with my priest after Pascha, or should I wait for him to approach me and ask if I am ready? I only wish to do the will of God and submit to His decision.

I would follow up with the priest. He may think that "you" are still contemplating your decision.

Just come up to him and have a short talk. I am sure he'll find the time to discuss the future steps you should take to join the Church.

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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria

Hi mint, i would definitely approach him again after Pascha and let him know your feelings. Pascha (and holy week in general) is considered a "watershed" for many, and priests like to see potential converts/catechumens go through the paschal season so that they are aware of what Orthodoxy really is. Try to attend as many services as possible.

Hi mint, i would definitely approach him again after Pascha and let him know your feelings. Pascha (and holy week in general) is considered a "watershed" for many, and priests like to see potential converts/catechumens go through the paschal season so that they are aware of what Orthodoxy really is. Try to attend as many services as possible.

Like I said, I will make the fullest attempt possible at going, but my schedule may not allow it. I hope my priest will not think I don't care about Orthodoxy just because I may not be at this Paschal celebration.

Hi mint, i would definitely approach him again after Pascha and let him know your feelings. Pascha (and holy week in general) is considered a "watershed" for many, and priests like to see potential converts/catechumens go through the paschal season so that they are aware of what Orthodoxy really is. Try to attend as many services as possible.

Like I said, I will make the fullest attempt possible at going, but my schedule may not allow it. I hope my priest will not think I don't care about Orthodoxy just because I may not be at this Paschal celebration.

The best thing to do then is tell him. Hoping alone will likely result in less than desirable results.

Also, if you want to be a catechumen, tell him. There's lots of good reasons he could not push the matter, and is waiting for you to step up.

I urge you to make it your highest priority and do everything within your power to attend as many services during Holy Week as you can. I promise you that you will never regret it.

Thank you, it really does sound great. I will, indeed, make a concerted effort to attend (again, provided that I am in town); however, considering that I don't live alone but with my parents, it will be a challenge sneaking into the house at 4:30 AM without waking everybody up on a Sunday morning. There is a certain level of impracticality about it this year (again, provided that I am in town) and it may, unfortunately, have to wait until next year.

I urge you to make it your highest priority and do everything within your power to attend as many services during Holy Week as you can. I promise you that you will never regret it.

Thank you, it really does sound great. I will, indeed, make a concerted effort to attend (again, provided that I am in town); however, considering that I don't live alone but with my parents, it will be a challenge sneaking into the house at 4:30 AM without waking everybody up on a Sunday morning. There is a certain level of impracticality about it this year (again, provided that I am in town) and it may, unfortunately, have to wait until next year.

Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.—St. Isaac of Syria

It's good you have found Orthodoxy and are seriously considering joining the church but I think its better to wait, study and be as convicted as possible before you join, it took me about 2 years myself.

It's good you have found Orthodoxy and are seriously considering joining the church but I think its better to wait, study and be as convicted as possible before you join, it took me about 2 years myself.

What makes you think that I haven't waited, studied or am not fully "convicted" [sic]?

Forgive me, I just assumed that which was bad on my part. But I think it is good to wait and not rush these things but if you are truely convicted go for it.

There's nothing to forgive. However, despite the concise punctuality of the OP, this isnt something which I am rushing into. I don't know your story, what background you come from or why you made th decision to become Orthodox, but I don't come from the sort of thoughtless, irreligious background that often results in impatient conversion for some people.